Detailed Impacts of Cyclone Ditwah in Badulla District
Badulla District, located in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province in the central highlands, has been one of the hardest-hit areas by the heavy rains and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on November 28, 2025. The district’s hilly terrain, tea estates, and river valleys amplified the disaster, leading to widespread landslides, flooding, and isolation of remote communities. As of November 30, 2025, Badulla accounts for a significant portion of the national death toll, with its vulnerable tea estate workers—many from the Malaiyaha Tamil community—facing acute shortages of food, water, electricity, and communication. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued red alerts for landslide-prone areas, but the rapid onset overwhelmed response efforts.
Casualties and Human Impact
- Deaths: 35 confirmed fatalities, primarily from landslides burying homes overnight on November 27–28. This includes at least 21 people killed in a single major landslide in the tea-growing regions, where slopes collapsed onto residences. Badulla ranks second only to Kandy (51 deaths) in district-wise casualties.
- Missing Persons: At least 21 reported missing in the district, often due to families being swept away or buried under debris. Nationwide, 191 remain unaccounted for, with Badulla contributing significantly.
- Injured: 14 documented injuries, mainly from debris and falls during evacuations.
- Affected Population: Over 50,000 people directly impacted in Badulla, part of the national figure exceeding 500,000. More than 10,000 have been displaced into temporary shelters, with many more stranded in isolated estates.
Damage to Infrastructure and Property
- Homes and Buildings: Over 2,000 houses damaged or destroyed, with hundreds partially buried by landslides. Tea estate bungalows and workers’ line houses—simple, closely packed structures—suffered the most, exacerbating vulnerability for low-income families.
- Roads and Access: Major highways and rural roads remain blocked by landslides and flooding, isolating over 50 villages. For instance, routes connecting Badulla town to Welimada and the eastern highlands are impassable, hindering relief delivery.
- Utilities: Widespread blackouts and disrupted mobile networks have left communities incommunicado. Even Starlink users in remote areas reported intermittent service amid the storms, though it proved vital for some updates.
- Agriculture and Economy: Tea plantations, a cornerstone of Badulla’s economy, face severe losses from uprooted crops and buried fields. Landslides have damaged irrigation systems and access roads to estates, potentially costing millions in exports.
Specific Locations Affected
Badulla’s 14 Divisional Secretariat divisions saw varying degrees of impact, but the hill country and eastern fringes were worst affected. Key hotspots include:
- Welimada: Severe flooding and landslides turned valleys into debris fields; videos show homes submerged and rescue operations underway.
- Badulla Town and Surrounds: Flooded streets and blocked highways; a section of the A5 highway was buried under a landslide.
- Tea Estate Areas (e.g., near Haputale and Ella): Over 30 estates isolated, with workers climbing rooftops to escape rising waters; no access to basic supplies.
- Other Villages: At least 50 rural localities partially or fully damaged, including those along the Badulla River; NBRO warnings covered high-risk GNs (Grama Niladhari Divisions) in these zones.
| Impact Category | Details in Badulla | National Context |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 35 (21 from one landslide) | 153 total |
| Missing | 21+ | 191 total |
| Displaced | 10,000+ into shelters | 108,000+ total |
| Homes Damaged | 2,000+ | 20,000+ total |
| Villages Affected | 50+ (e.g., Welimada, estates) | 200+ nationwide |
| Rainfall Recorded | 231–295 mm in 24 hours | Up to 300 mm in hills |
Relief and Response Efforts
- Government Actions: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on November 29 to fast-track aid. The Sri Lanka Army and Navy deployed helicopters and boats for rescues, though downdrafts and debris complicated operations. Schools and offices closed, with A-level exams suspended.
- International Aid: India launched “Operation Sagar Bandhu,” delivering 6.5 metric tons of food and essentials via airlift to Badulla. The US and Maldives also sent humanitarian supplies. Over 100 relief centers are operational in the district.
- Challenges: Inaccessible roads delay supplies; estate workers report critical shortages. DMC urges evacuation from high-risk areas, with forecasts of lingering showers into early December.
The situation in Badulla remains fluid, with receding floods revealing more damage. For real-time updates, monitor the DMC website or local alerts. Heartfelt solidarity to those affected—relief is en route, but recovery will be long-term.